Avian Flu - Situation Worsening

Originally from: Pat Gardiner
                        
Pat's Note: The situation seems to be worsening. Look on the bright side, at least animal health is now top of the agenda

Whether Avian Flu is a real risk or merely a perceived one is an interesting question.

Either way, we are in an area with both indoor and outdoor poultry and pig farms, cheek by jowl. The outdoor pigs are being fed outdoors intermingled with migrating ducks and geese and big pheasant populations. Free range chickens and duckponds everywhere. Marshes with huge waterfowl populations.

There is nowhere for the outdoor pigs and poultry to go. The general state of health of Britain's pigs merely complicates the problem.

Five wasted years! We face a major problem and are still without a trustworthy or respected State Veterinary Service.

..and they had all the evidence four years ago to stand them all down, get rid of the crooks and reform.

Still, at least, I did my bit.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L19367986.htm
 – extract

Germany's government is to announce emergency restrictions on keeping poultry in the open while the Dutch government has decreed that all poultry must be kept indoors from Monday to prevent contact with migrating birds.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4165732.stm

GPs to get flu pandemic guidance

GPs across the UK are being sent information packs about what they should do in event of a flu pandemic. Experts say an outbreak is inevitable and will probably emerge in Asia if bird flu mutates with the human version to create a highly infectious virus. GPs are being given leaflets to hand out to the public during an outbreak as well as guidance on the advice to give patients. It has been predicted a flu pandemic could kill 50,000 in the UK.
The Department of Health said the measures did not mean the UK was on a higher state of alert and the packs were being sent out as part of the flu contingency plan announced in March. A spokeswoman said: "GPs will be the first point of call for many members of the public so it is important they know what advice to give. "It is all part of the process of being prepared in case of an outbreak." The government has already announced it will be stockpiling antiviral drugs and vaccines to combat flu and could place restrictions on the gathering of large crowds and travel. Under the guidance, family doctors are being told to encourage patients to take basic precautions during an outbreak such as hand-washing, covering mouths when sneezing and avoiding crowded places. More than 50 people have died from bird flu in south east Asia so far. While no mutation with a human flu has been seen to date, experts fear it will, triggering a pandemic. Dr Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance, which represents GPs, said it was important all the necessary steps were taken to safeguard against a potential outbreak. "Some people may see this as alarming, but what it is is making sure we are properly prepared. "GPs are probably not that clear about what their role would be if there is a pandemic, so if this helps it will be welcome."

—Regards
Pat Gardiner
www.go-self-sufficient.com